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Drinking behavior in cats: What is normal – and when is caution required?
Cats naturally tend to drink very little – in many cases, this is completely normal for healthy animals. Nevertheless, it is worth observing drinking behavior closely: because both noticeably little and excessively much drinking can be an indication of health problems.
Why cats generally drink little
Cats originally descend from desert animals. Their bodies are designed to absorb a large part of their fluids through food – especially via prey or wet food. Dry food, on the other hand, contains hardly any moisture, which requires an increased fluid intake through drinking.
When is the drinking behavior an alarm signal?
A sudden increase or a significant decrease in the amount of drinking can indicate health-related causes. You can find more info about the amount of drinking in the guide article. In case of uncertainty, a clarification by a veterinarian is recommended in any case.
Tips on how to get cats to drink more
Especially with exclusive dry feeding or for animals with health risks, it makes sense to specifically promote drinking behavior. Since cats have very individual preferences, it is worth trying out different options.
A central point: Water should not be placed directly next to the feeding place. Many cats avoid water sources in the immediate vicinity of the bowl. Instead, it is recommended to distribute several water stations throughout the household, ideally in quiet, easily accessible places.
The type and quality of water also plays a role. While some cats prefer clear, fresh water, others show interest in stale or even rainwater. The following variants can be tried out:
- Standing water, for example in open bowls
- Moving water from a fountain - new in our range: cordless fountain
- Freshly filled water or deliberately stale water
- Clean rainwater (unchlorinated)
Not only the water source, but also the vessel material can be decisive. Many cats prefer bowls made of Ceramic, glass or Stainless steel, while plastic is often avoided.
Even more practical tips are offered by this guide article.
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As a rule of thumb: A cat needs approx. 40–60 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day – including the fluid it takes in via wet food. With dry food, the daily drinking amount is correspondingly higher. It is important to observe not only the quantity but also the behavior around drinking.
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Yes – at high temperatures, the water requirement is increased. Even if cats do not pant heavily like dogs, their bodies regulate the temperature through increased fluid excretion. Especially in summer, it is important to provide fresh water and observe drinking behavior closely.
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Signs can include a dry mouth, dull coat, less urination or constipation. A so-called "skin fold test" can also give indications of beginning dehydration. In case of uncertainty, a veterinary clarification is recommended.
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- A little warm water over the food
- Enrich snacks or wet food with water
- Liquid snacks, which also serve as a reward
- Flavor water with a dash of salt-free bouillon or catnip
- A special drink made for cats that specifically supports water intake
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Not necessarily – it is important that the cat additionally takes in sufficient water. Anyone feeding dry food should consciously pay attention to an appealing water supply, e.g., through additional drinking sources or wet snacks.
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An increased thirst (polydipsia) can be an indication of diseases such as diabetes, Renal insufficiency or hyperthyroidism. If the cat drinks unusually much, veterinary advice should be sought.
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